You might be used to setting and achieving goals solely with your logical mind. While this approach may reap great results for some people, it has never worked well for me. It always felt like I was missing important information. Often, I didn’t even feel satisfied when I achieved these brainy goals, such as when I completed my master thesis in Geography. If you are longing for a holistic way to achieving your goals, you’ve come to the right place! I am excited to share a unique approach that draws on the heart wisdom of your imagination and intuition.
Step 1 Name One of Your Goals
In the present tense and in positive terms, clearly articulate one of the goals you want to achieve. While you may not know all the details, you probably have clarity around some aspects of your goal. Eric (not his real name) for example, knew that he wanted to be a leader of a diverse team in an innovative organization. Even though Eric didn’t know which industry sector he wanted to work in or what responsibility his role would have, Eric had enough clarity to begin moving towards his goal.
Take a moment now to jot down the parts of your goal that you have clarity around. Don’t worry about the parts that are unclear at this point. Those details may very well unfold naturally, once you articulate the parts that are clear now.
I encourage you to write down those parts of your goal, in the present tense and in positive terms, as if you had already achieved your goal. There is a very different energy to something that we long for in the future and something that we have achieved in the now. By expressing your goal in the present tense you bring it closer to you and make it more real and more likely to be achieved.
Here is how Eric articulated his goal: “I am leading a diverse team in an innovative organization.” Now take a moment to articulate your goal in writing.
Step 2 Imagine Your Goal Completed
Now that you have articulated your goal, allow yourself to dream big. Imagine yourself having realized your goal using a technique from my book, The Mini-Retreat Solution:
- Sit in a comfortable position and allow your eyes to close.
- Take a deep breath into your belly and breathe out fully.
- Notice the support of the chair and the ground underneath your feet. Allow yourself to relax into this support.
- Notice your breath flowing in and out of your body and appreciate the sensations of each inhale and exhale.
- Now imagine yourself having achieved your goal. Allow yourself to experience this sneak-peak preview as fully and richly as you can with all your senses.
- Take a moment to give thanks for this experience and trust that you’ll remember everything you need from this inner journey.
- Then return your attention to your breath, notice the support of the chair, wiggle your toes and fingers, stretch your body and gently open your eyes.
- Jot down everything you wish to remember as you emerge from your Mini-Retreat.
Here is what Katherine Wolters, one of my career clarity coaching clients, shares about the power of envisioning her fulfilling career: “Developing a clear, compelling vision was a pivotal part of this career transition process, and it helped me pursue a career that I am truly passionate about. I still remember the moment I first walked into the office of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, my current employer. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming! The work environment matched my vision in every aspect – my level of responsibility, independence and flexibility, the support from my team, the space arrangement, the lighting, even the color of the walls was identical to my vision of an ideal job!”
Just like Katherine, you don’t have to do this alone. Katherine says “…working with Julia is one of the best things I ever did for myself. With her help, I’m now working in a job I truly love and my life has changed for the better.”
Step 3 Follow Your Spontaneous Impulses
Now that you’ve done the powerful inner work to envision having achieved your goal, it’s time to relax. Follow your spontaneous, intuitive impulses and ideas as they arise. Even if your intuitions may not seem to relate to your goal, follow them anyways. Following your intuitive impulses will most likely get you closer to achieving your goal with ease and grace.
Eric for example felt inspired to reconnect with an old friend from university days, whom he hadn’t talked to in decades. He didn’t quite know why, but it just felt important. Eric followed his impulse. As it turns out, his friend offered to introduce Eric to the CEO of an innovative company. This introduction led to a positive connection between Eric and the CEO. Only a few weeks later, Eric accepted a leadership role in this company. He now feels energized and fulfilled at work. Eric is so grateful that he followed his intuitive impulse to re-connect with his friend.
Don’t be discouraged, if your own journey to achieving your goals is not as direct as Eric’s experience. Continue to connect with the vision of you having achieved your goal. Keep following your intuitive impulses as they arise. Enjoy walking the mysterious trail your intuition is blazing for you. Just like Eric, you don’t have to navigate your career clarity journey alone. Reach out for your free career clarity consultation, now!
Nice article!
Happy New Year to all
With love